Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - The Municipality has approved four applications under the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) 2025, aimed at supporting local businesses through signage upgrades. During the March 19 council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to move forward with the recommended projects, which will see funding provided to businesses in Glencoe and Wardsville.
CAO Amanda Gubbels presented the report to council, outlining the application process and recommendations. “This report provides an update on the four applications received under the Community Improvement Plan for the 2025 intake period,” Gubbels explained. “The applications were complete and considered appropriate given the program parameters.”
The four approved applications are as follows:
-Elite Agri Solutions Ltd, located at 214, 216, and 218 Main Street in Glencoe, will receive $1,000 towards new and updated signage.
-Lilac Lane Floral Design, at 231 Main Street, Glencoe, will also receive $1,000 for signage improvements.
-Blossoms, located at 242 Main Street, Glencoe, will receive $290.70 to support signage upgrades.
-VDUB HUB, at 1776 Longwood Road, Wardsville, will be granted $1,000 for new signage.
In total, the approved grants amount to $3,290.70. The municipality will apply to the Middlesex County CIP Reimbursement Program to recover 50% of the municipal funding, which amounts to $1,645.35.
Councillor Mark McGill inquired about the possibility of more businesses applying later in the year. Gubbels clarified that signage grants could be submitted at any time, while other types of grants currently have one intake period per year. She also noted that the Economic Development Committee is working on updating the CIP to allow applications year-round, which would give businesses more flexibility. “One of the amendments to the plan would be to open up that application period so that there isn’t a timeline,” Gubbels said.
Council moved quickly to approve the recommendations, with Councillor Mark McGill moving the motion and Councillor Don McCallum seconding it. The decision passed unanimously.
The CIP funding aims to support local businesses by enhancing storefront visibility and contributing to the revitalization of commercial areas.
